Mactan Island-Cebu Commuter Ferry Cruise Experience

The people of Mactan Island has long been commuting to and fro mainland Cebu by the use of ferries. Of course, Mactan is separated by the narrow Opon Channel which makes Cebu as one of the best harbours in the country. Now, because of the construction of a US air base (which will be later Mactan International Airport) and lack of land area in urban Cebu, former president Marcos constructed the old Mactan-Mandaue Bridge which finally connected Mactan to Cebu mainland without using ferries.

Today, most of the people cross the channel by the two bridges spanning between the two islands, but some Oponghons (residents of LapuLapu City or Mactan Island) would prefer to ride the Mactan-Cebu Ferry which is more convenient for them. Well, it is really convenient for the Cebuanos and local residents. They would not need to brave the increasingly jammed roads in Mandaue and Cebu City during rush hours and yet they can cruise all the way to home or work. That’s what you call “urban island living” indeed! The terminals are found at Muelle Osmena, Mactan (near the Virgen de la Regla Church, downtown LapuLapu City) and Pier 3 in downtown Cebu City. They are open from 5:30 AM all the way to 7:00PM.

Now, you don’t have to worry because its not an outrigger boat or banca. All of them are diesel powered all-metal ferry boats. And the fare is cheap too. Talk about 12 pesos for regular fare (one way) and a terminal fee of piso (one Philippine Peso) as compared to approximately more or less 20 pesos for a jeepney ride from Mactan to downtown Cebu City! Although not as modern (and sometimes quite rickety) ferries, but they do give you a very good view of the progressing skyline of Metro Cebu. It would be a 15-20 minute cruise. These blue and white ferries would be the counterpart of the MetroRail of Manila or even the legendary Star Ferry of green and white of HongKong. If the ferry services are to be improved, this serve as a good mass transport for both the locals and tourists alike. Well of course, with a touch of Filipino ingenuity, it looks like a commuter bus at Manila, peanut and C2-Mineral Water peddlers still sell inside the ferries like the ones at EDSA, hehe!!

Now, a word of advise though to planning tourists and commuters though:

1. Don’t expect that its airconditioned like the Pasig River Ferry. But for most of the trip, the sea air is fresh (except for near docking at Pier 3 which sometimes emit foul smell coming from a nearby creek). Just think of it as like you are cruising at Hong Kong’s Star Ferry.
2. Another one, it gets jammed every rush hour. So here is the counterpart for the Manila’s MRT sardine can minus the rail and standing ovation.
3. During monsoon season, the waves are pretty rough in the channel (although not big and still safe to venture out), so be careful. Also, you may get a free sea water spray for your face too.
4. Don’t rush out. Wait until the line is not crowded anymore when you are at the ferry.
5. Take care of your belongings. Always check out your things before leaving. Always be secure
6. If seasick, just bring a plastic bag.
7. And during Sinulog season, expect to have a very very looong queue going to Cebu City. Either the boats have been used for the ealier fluvial procession or is busy taking up passengers.
8. Of course, when MARINA (sea transport regulatory body of the Philippines) say that there would be no trips due to bad weather, then might as well don’t go.

Anyway, for the first timers in Cebu who is seeking “urban island” commuting, just take the ferry and cruise. It’s an experience that most tourists by pass.